The final stage of a 500-home development is drawing to a close and changes to a village are becoming a reality.

The West Kent Cold Storage site redevelopment in Rye Lane, Dunton Green, is in its final stage of planning permission, with a decision due in March.

To soften the blow, cash is being given to the community by developers to spend on improving facilities – and the village is being asked for its feedback.

Parish councillor John Lankester has been trying to ask every household how they would like the money to be spent.

There will also be a wider consultation by Sevenoaks District Council.

Cllr Lankester said: "Whether we like it or not the development is going to happen.

"So far the developers have been very accommodating in adapting things, and now is the opportunity to make the most of what is planned.

"Schools are an important aspect, but there are many other issues to consider.

"We are still receiving feedback and have only just started our analysis, but the most common comment we have heard is people – both young and old – would like to have somewhere they can get together.

"We already have quite a few halls; the difficulty is the organisation of what happens inside the hall."

The money, which will be secured under a Section 106 agreement, will not cover the running costs of any facility.

These will have to be borne either by users of the facility or out of the community charge.

The planning request includes 500 one, two, three, four and five bedroom homes, 2,300sqm of industrial space and a medical centre.